CULTIVATION OP THE VINE. 171 



can be attained without prejudice to the mair^ ob- 

 ject of the cultivation, he is generally disposed 

 to seek, though at the cost of a little additional 

 labour. As to the shorter branches, we must 

 await their growth, and attack them when they 

 shall have attained a sufficient length to admit 

 the operation, in the postponement of which, no 

 serious inconvenience is likely to ensue. Where 

 this work is performed too early in the season, 

 the vine dresser will probably find that the oars 

 will be liable to be broken. in the tying up, be- 

 fore or during the unfolding of the blossom : and 

 yet I appeal with confidence to my fellow culti- 

 vators, and ask of them, if they have not seen in 

 their own experience, their fruit remarkably fine 

 and well set, notwithstanding such unpromising 

 circumstances ? 



ARTICLE XII. 



Of Manures. 



EVERY vine dresser is aware, that without oc- 

 casionally reinforcing his grounds by a little ar- 

 tificial aid, an inferior and diminished harvest 

 will be the result. As therefore it appears an 

 essential part of the system of skilful cultivation, 

 it is important to consider the particular manures 

 best suited to particular soils and positions, and 



